21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources: Worship Resources for the First Sunday of Advent, Year C

Gathering Meditation
It is a time of expectation and anxiety.
It is a day when we tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

We remember how you came, Lord, and we anxiously await your return.
You promised to return, and like Israel in the days of old, we expectantly await
the fulfillment of your promise.
It is hard down here, Lord, and we know that you know all about it.
They treated you mean; treat us mean too!
It would cost you bodily pain, but you came anyway.
They made you be born in a manger, but you came anyway.
We didn't understand, but you came anyway.
We didn't know who you were.

And so, sweet, little Jesus boy, we gather today, looking for you to show up
in our celebration, as we wait for you to come again,
All grown up, with all power in your hands. Hallelujah!

Prayer of Hope and Thanksgiving
God of our Expectation,
We praise you for surely-coming days when you will execute Shalom: love, peace, health, and well-being for the people who walked in darkness. We await with assurance the surely-coming days when AIDS is cured, when every gun is beaten into a tool for rebuilding, when every child has the opportunity to develop God-given gifts, and when every adult sees every child as a gift from God. We desire, O God of our Hope, surely-coming days when no city fears hurricanes, no country fears nuclear bombs, and no tribe fears annihilation by another. We thank you for the surely-coming days when no person fears another because God chose to create all people in the diversity of God's image. We thank you for our hope and for your surely-coming days. Amen. Look! (For Advent, Luke 21:25-36) People (in 3)
1 2 3 Look! (Clap) He is coming in a Cloud. (Clap) See the sun and moon and Stars. (Clap) Hear the roaring of the Sea. (Clap) He is coming with great Power! (Clap)

Leader (rhythmically in 4)
Jesus said to watch the leaves
Of the fig tree and all trees.
You know that summer's on the scene
Because the limbs sprout forth with green.

People (in 3) 1 2 3 Look! (Clap) He is coming in a Cloud. (Clap) See the sun and moon and Stars. (Clap) Hear the roaring of the Sea. (Clap) He is coming with great Power! (Clap)

Leader (rhythmically in 4)
Certain signs shall soon appear.
Open both your eyes and ears!
Many folk will faint with fear
But your redemption's drawing near.

People (in 3)
1 2 3 Look! (Clap) He is coming in a Cloud. (Clap) See the sun and moon and Stars. (Clap) Hear the roaring of the Sea. (Clap) He is coming with great Power! (Clap)

Leader (rhythmically in 4)
Guard from ills that dissipate.
Escape these things that will take place.
For all who live on this earth's face,
God's kingdom comes with power and grace.

People (in 3)
1 2 3 Look! (Clap) He is coming in a Cloud. (Clap) See the sun and moon and Stars. (Clap) Hear the roaring of the Sea. (Clap) He is coming with great Power! (Clap)

Leader (rhythmically in 4)
Heaven and earth will pass away
But listen to the words I say.
Be alert and always pray
That you will stand on that great day!

People (in 3)
1 2 3 Look! (Clap) He is coming in a Cloud. (Clap) See the sun and moon and Stars. (Clap) Hear the roaring of the Sea. (Clap) He is coming with great Power! (Clap)

Leader:
Amen!

People:
Amen!

About the Author: The Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton is the Lead Editor for African American Resources at The United Methodist Publishing House and pastors the Emery United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.